2024’s Best Two-Stage Snow Blowers: Expert Reviews & Comparisons

Ah, winter. Brings back memories of waking up to a world smothered in white, doesn’t it? As a kid, I loved it. As an adult? Well, let’s just say my Ariens Deluxe two-stage snow blower and I have become pretty good pals. Why, you ask? It’s simple. When the snow’s so deep you can’t find your dog in the backyard, that’s when a machine like this is worth its weight in gold.

Let me take you back a bit. Ariens, around since 1933, isn’t just another name in the snow blower game. These guys are like the wise old owl of winter gear. Their Deluxe series? It’s a beast, with 16″ wheels and a throw distance that could probably launch snow into the next county. Sure, it’s a bit pricier, but when you’re staring down the barrel of a blizzard, you’ll thank me.

Now, you might be sitting there, coffee in hand, wondering, “Do I really need something that sounds like it belongs on an Arctic expedition?” Here’s the deal: if your winter looks more like a light dusting of powdered sugar, then maybe not. But if you’re in an area where snowfall laughs in the face of single-stage blowers, then yes, you do.

Do You Need A Two Stage Snow Blower? Or a Single-Stage?

A two-stage snow blower is a machine designed to tackle deep, wet, heavy snow — three attributes of snow that a single-stage snow blower cannot handle.

Ever heard of the impeller? It’s the heart of a two-stage snow blower. This nifty little invention is like having a turbocharger for snow. It’s what lets you handle those crazy 8-inch deep snowfalls without breaking a sweat.

But wait, there’s more! Ever tried maneuvering a snow blower uphill, or on an icy driveway? That’s where track-drive models come into play. These bad boys grip like they’ve got something to prove, making uphill battles a walk in the park. I used to think all snow blowers were clunky, cumbersome beasts until I tried one of these.

In this guide, we’re not just throwing specs at you. We’re talking real talk about what works and what doesn’t. From budget-friendly options that get the job done, to the Rolls-Royce of snow blowers that make your neighbor green with envy. We’re covering it all.

So, whether you’re a seasoned snow warrior or just dipping your toes into the world of two-stage snow blowers, stick with me. We’re going on a journey to find the best two-stage snow blower for your winter wonderland. It’s not just about clearing snow; it’s about reclaiming your driveway and maybe having a little fun while you’re at it

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Top Rated / Best 2-Stage Snow Blowers

Let’s get started and look at some of the best and most powerful 2-stage snow blowers on the market for winter 2024 / 2023

I almost forgot to mention the impressive warranty you get — 5 years on the snow blower itself and three years for the batteries. This is how you know that EGO is a premium brand — because they stand behind their products. They know how good this 2-stage snow blower is and they want you to buy it. When a brand offer a short warranty it means they don’t think it will last very long. Sad, buy true.

This is a definite buy for any homeowner who can afford the price of convenience and don’t mind paying more money for the benefits of battery power.

EGO is successful because of their commitment to creating well-engineered products that perform equal to or better than what consumers expect. They’ve been a battery-powered focused company since day one and because of that they’ve been on an accelerated trajectory to maximizing the power of batteries. This 2-stage snow blower from EGO is a magnificent creation and shows just how far this brand has come.

Recommended 2-Stage Snow Blower from TORO / Gas & Cordless

💬 Both of these TORO models are available to order online only from Tractor Supply. You can have it shipped to your home or to a store near you.

Powered by Toro’s Flex Force battery system. You’ll be able to clear an area equal to a driveway with 30 parked cars, and if you add a 3rd battery you can clear a 45 car driveway. These numbers are just guidelines, not absolute numbers.

You might also be interested in the fact that Consumer Reports Recommends the TORO 39924 (60V Cordless) Flex Force, 2-Stage snow blower, as one the best models they’ve reviewed. In my opinion, and the opinion of other reputable organizations, this is one of the best 2-stage snow blowers for homeowners. It has everything you could ever ask for, and because it’s battery-powered you’ll never have to inhale toxic fumes, it’s actually quiet, and you don’t have maintenance to worry about. The only downside is that it costs more than many 2-stage gas models

VIDEO — See the Toro HD Snow Blower in Action

Prepare for the Inevitable Snowfall

BUT, you’ll be thankful for the money you spent when that major snowfall comes to your neighborhood. Delayed gratification is not something humans are good at. Why spend money on a machine that you may not use it for months?

ANSWER : if you wait until the weather forecaster announces a blizzard, it’s already too late. Everyone else will also be running to the local hardware store alongside you. Good luck finding a snow blower then. You get the point. Prepare! A single stage snow blower is adequate for light, fluffy snow under 8-10″ deep (depending on the model) but for serious snowfalls, you need a 2-stage.

For the 2023/23 winter season, the Farmers’ Almanac predicts frigid temperatures and many winter storms in the Northern Central States. The south central states are expected to get higher than normal snowfalls. The weather projections vary depending on where you live, and the truth is nobody knows how the weather will play out ahead of time.

From my perspective, my advice is to prepare for winter based on historical averages. Which means if your region typically gets a several snowfalls with accumulations of snow over around 8″ then a 2-stage snow blower is a good idea.

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Husqvarna ST224 / 24″

Best Heavy-Duty 2-Stage Snow Blower under $1000

Features:

OVERVIEW / ST224

The ST224 keeps getting better every year. For under $1000, It’s an excellent buy for the money. You get Husqvarna quality and upscale features like heated handles, LED headlight and power steering. It’s not a perfect snow blower by any means, as the biggest problem with this model seems to be quality control. Customers often complain of a random part breaking or a failure to start. Hopefully for 2024 Husqvarna has increased their attention to quality control. It’s always frustrating when a well-designed product fails to win over customers because of quality control. This is an easy problem to solve.

For 2023, Husqvarna has consolidated their ST224 with the ST224P. In past years, they offered the same model with out without power steering. It makes sense to offer one snow blower with all the features that customers expect nowadays. This prevents confusing people. I never really understood why they sold a model without power steering. After all, this is a 200 lb. snow blower and it requires power steering as you turn in deep snow. Husqvarna is a company that’s been around for a very long time and it just goes to show that you’re never too old to learn. The customer should always be first and the last thing any brand wants to do is confuse people.

If you buy online make sure you inspect the snow blower thoroughly and try it out as soon as it arrives. Even if you don’t have snow, you can turn it on and make sure it’s running smoothly. You don’t want to wait for a snowfall to turn it on for the first time and realize it doesn’t start. Plan ahead and have it ready to start so when you get your first snowfall you won’t be stuck.

► Read our indepth review of the Husqvarna ST224P / Husqvarna ST224.

Wheeled-Drive vs Track-Drive Snow Blower / What’s the Difference?

There’s a reason why tanks and snowmobile have a track-drive instead of wheels. The problem with wheels is the simple fact that all of the weight of your snow blower is supported by 4 small areas at the bottom of every wheel. Wheels were not designed for snow.

On the other hand, tracks distribute the weight evenly over a wide surface, which greatly reduces the chance of having your snow blower slide around on slippery terrain.Also, the tracks themselves have sharp ridges — tracks — that cut into the snow, ice and compact snow or slush. More points of contact grip the surface and maintain a close bond to the surface.

You really notice the superior traction when you’re going uphill or downhill. A traditional snow blower with wheels is an accident waiting to happen on inclines or declines. You always feel like you’re hanging on for dear life, hoping you don’t start to slide. Have you ever started to slide down a snowy hill in your car? Well, that’s precisely the amount of grip you have with a wheeled snow blower.

If you’ve ever driven through the mountains in a snowstorm you’ve likely used snow chains to ensure you don’t slide of a cliff. The chainsaw act like tracks on a snow blower. The key to traction is having a large surface area covered in with ridges or protruding edges, that cut into the ground with every turn and movement forward.

Hydrostatic transmissions can only be found on the most expensive models, and they are by far the best transmissions. Both of the track-drive blowers you are about to see have this type of drive. Ariens and Honda are leading manufacturers of Hydrostatic technology. It allows you to effortlessly switch between any gear without ever having to stop. You have infinite variability, making it easy to find the right speed. You can slow to a crawl without effecting the speed of your auger. And the maintenance is close to zero.

Best 2-Stage Track Snow Blowers

VIDEO / A Closer Look at the Ariens Kraken Clear Deep Snow

Buy the Snow Blower you Need, Not the One you Want

You likely have already set a budget for the purchase of your next snow blower, which is why I’m presenting you with a range of snow blowers. All are good to excellent in their class. For example the WEN SB24 is an excellent 2-stage for under $1000. In fact, this WEN might be the overall best buy for anyone simply wanting a well-made and reliable model. It does everything well, and typically sells quickly when it’s in stock. In fact, it can be described as a paired down version of the ST224 from Husqvarna. The WEN lacks luxury features like heated handles and a headlight and it’s not as rugged either.

WEN SB24 — Best Value 2-Stage Snow Blower under $1000

Generally, you get what you pay for. My philosophy is that you should buy the product that meets your needs and nothing more. This is called “satisficing.” This might help you make decisions as it has in my own life. Basically, the idea is after you decide what features you’re looking for, you simply buy the first snow blower that meets your criteria or the majority of what you want. Instead of researching endlessly, trying to find the absolute perfect snow blower, you buy the first one that “satisfies” your needs.

You don’t need the best snow blower, but you do need a reliable one capable of handling the depth and type of snow that you are likely to encounter. Only you know the answer to that. It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole of researching as I’m sure you know. We do our absolute best to present our readers with a wide array of high quality options to choose from. I feel it’s important for our readers to have a good idea of the type of snow blowers that are available on the market. We pride ourselves on curating the options and distill them into a digestible guide.

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Heavy-Duty 2-Stage Snow Blowers

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Best for your Budget

The term “best” is relative. It really depends on where you live and how large of an area you need to clear. Also, budget is always an important consideration. When you have a budget to consider it’s important to make your money go further. This might mean you monitor the daily prices and buy a snow blower on sale. It always feels good when you save yourself a few hundred dollars on a brand name product you need.

Sometimes we can’t afford to wait, especially with snow blowers. It’s best to buy one early in the season to ensure you are ready for the first snowfall.

Another way to maximize your money is to buy a lesser known brand that also makes reliable snow blowers. In other words, don’t think about buying a Husqvarna, Toro or Ariens but instead consider buying a WEN or Powersmart.

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— Battery-Powered 2-Stage Snow Blower

A few years ago there was no such thing as a cordless 2-stage snow blower and now, in 2023, we have 4+ brands making dual-stage battery-powered snow blowers. What changed in the past few years that made such innovation possible? There has been a massive commitment from big brands to the development of battery powered equipment that equal the power of gas models.

The reason why this shift in priority is that consumers love the convenience of cordless tools and machinery. They use the clean power of batteries, they don’t emit toxic fumes, there’s no maintenance and they’re quiet. Cordless tools is a goldmine for brands to cater to. It’s been an untapped market as in the past, battery power was used for small light-duty tools like drills and screwdrivers, but today, battery technology has evolved to power almost anything, including cars by Tesla.

We’re in the middle of a revolution, an exciting time to be alive, as we are being unburdened from the toxicity of gasoline power and we’re also untethered from needing an extension cord. One of the key engineering decisions that enable a 2-stage snow blower to be powered by batteries is that battery size have increased exponentially in order to make this happen.

In all honesty, battery technology hasn’t changed much since the introduction of lithium-ion batteries, but small refinements over the years has brought us to present day where large battery packs are used to drive powerful machines. I’d buy a battery-powered snow blower over gasoline any day of the week.

Cheap Two-Stage 80V Cordless Snow Blower — Powersmart (DB2805RB)

I recommend this to be used under the same conditions as you’d use a single stage snow blower. Due to its lightweight and unbalanced design, this makes for an excellent 2-stage snow blower when used for snow up to 10-inches, and for snow that is powdery and light. I don’t recommend it for heavy, wet or slushy snow. Keep reading and I’ll explain why, and you can see for yourself in a video.

Features : 80V Cordless — 2-stage / 8024

OVERVIEW / DB2805RB Powersmart

Powersmart has updated their 80V snow blower from 2021. This model has refined controls, making it easier for you to move around through deep snow. It’s common for manufacturers to improve their snow blowers year after year and they often don’t mention their changes, especially if they’re mechanical in nature. It’s advantageous to buy a snow blower that’s been on the market for multiple years as its often a more reliable model.

The truth is when manufacturers engineer a new snow blower design, their testing can never mimic real-world testing,with thousands and thousands of buyers testing it under a variety of conditions. Snow blowers are a fairly complicated piece of machinery and it can take a few iterations to get the final design right. Powersmart is a brand still refining their process and manufacturing, but they’ve managed to create another great snow blower that most homeowners can afford.

This is one of the most popular 2-stage snow blowers but it’s hard for me to recommend. One of the issues I have with this model is that you don’t have full control over how this handles. Normally you’d think that power machinery would be better the lighter it is but in fact, with a snow blower being lightweight is not a strength because it tends to twist, turn, vibrate and wobble, when you’re clearing snow.

In the same way that a pickup truck has no traction in snow unless you throw heavy bags of sand in the pickup bed — a snow blower adheres to the same physics. It needs to be weighted in the right places or else you have no traction, or control. I recommend watching the end of the video below and you’ll see what I mean. The lack of weight makes it difficult to engage with the snow. Because of this, I’d only recommend this Powersmart cordless snow blower for deep powdery snow only.

This is not a good choice for heavy, wet, slush or icy snow. I would stick to the other brands in this article. I’m a little surprised to the popularity of this model but after spending countless hours with snow blowers, I know what to look for and I put safety above the cost of the snow blower. Some people only care about buying something for cheap, and I think that’s the wrong approach, and will only lead to disappointment.

WATCH THIS VIDEO BEFORE DECIDING — Powersmart 80V Snow Blower / DB2805A

This is an inexpensive 2-stage snow blower in comparison to other cordless models. I recommend to those who don’t have the money to buy either the TORO Flexforce 60V or the EGO 56V 2-stage model we looked at earlier in this guide. I recommend those as being the best cordless two-stage snow blowers for the 2023/23 season. My number one recommendation is for the TORO 60V. Personally, that’s what I would buy if I lived in a snowy region.

Which type of snow blower is right for you? Gas or Battery Power?

Also available in yellow —

Everything I write is seriously considered and based on facts and experience. There’s nuisance to evaluating snow blowers and everything depends on context and how you intend to use it, or more specifically, under what conditions will you be using this snow blower. The type of snow you get in your area should dictate which snow blower you buy. All snow is not created equal. I would put this 80V Powersmart model in the same category as single-stage in terms of its usage. In other words, this is a good choice for powdery light snow from 1″ to 10-inches.

Compare the Powermax 80V snow blower to the TORO 60V FlexForce (39924 / 39926) (Tractor Supply) —- Watch this Video below…

VIDEO / TORO 60V FlexForce Snow Blower

Buying Guide: Snow Blower Fundamentals

We’ve look at many different models of snow blowers so far, but now I want to explain some of the fundamentals about snow blowers that will give you a deeper framework for making a buying decision. We have snow blower recommendations throughout this article so make sure you at least browse further if you’re not interested in this section. Who knows, you might even learn something. Imagine that.

Let’s take examine the differences between the different types of snow blower available. Here’s some backstory to help you make a better buying decision.

Dealing with Winter

Snow means different things to different people. To a child, it can be a magical thing. I remember the first time I saw my humdrum world transformed into a mysterious landscape of white dunes, punctuated by the outlines of familiar landmarks. It was like a fairy tale.

As an adult, I’ve seen the same sight and cursed loudly. To the adult me, it meant public transport closures, missing out on work, and the possibility of burst water pipes. Not to mention days of misery trudging around in dirty sludge as the snow melts.

While there may be some small blessing in being able to see the wonder in sudden snowfall, there can be no doubt that it brings a ton of problems too. Railway lines often have to shut down, sometimes roads become impassible, and remote communities may even get cut off.

Fortunately, we don’t have to take it lying down. Snow blowers, plows, and even the humble shovel are all effective weapons against the unwelcome snow.

Snow blowers were once extremely expensive machines that were only used by transport companies and civil authorities. While they are still used in this capacity today, there are also smaller and cheaper versions which are suitable for homeowners.

Two Stage Snow Blower — Why it Matters

A snow blower is one of those things that is extremely welcome when you need it and lies forgotten for the rest of the year. There are exceptions – mountainous regions where it’s snowy all year round. But, for the most part, deep snowfall is something we like to forget about for at least half a year.

Every winter brings trepidation to a lot of people who wonder if this is the year they should buy a snow blower or for those who already wouldn’t go through a winter without one, these people wonder if they should upgrade their old, dying snow blower for a new shiny model. It’s a cycle that happens every year as the seasons change. Unfortunately, mother nature never gives us her itinerary for her winter plans so we’re left guessing, wondering what to do.

El Niño & La Niña : How do they affect the weather?

El Niño and La Niña are names assigned to climate patterns that interrupt normal atmospheric conditions along the equator and disrupt the tradewinds that have a profound effect on global weather patterns. El Nino is the warming pattern and La Nina is the cooling pattern. Together, they are known as ENSO: El Niño/La Niña Southern Oscillation

Currently, in 2023, we are in a La Niña season. This will be the third consecutive year for a La Nina event, which is rare. It’s expected to continue into 2023. What is La Niña and what does it mean? La Niña brings unusually cold water to the surface of the Pacific ocean which leads to a push north of the jet stream. During spring and summer, this typically brings drought to the southern US and more rainfall as well as flooding to the Pacific Northwest.

In winter, you can expect warmer average temperatures in the southern US and colder temperatures and stormier weather in the northern half of the country. As they say, you can’t predict the weather. Even though we’re better at understanding weather patterns scientists are often wrong on long-term weather forecasts. I like to know what the projections are but I always plan for the worst. This way, I’m never disappointed and I’m always prepared for whatever comes my way.

In contrast is El Niño. During an El Niño year, wind patterns in the US will be different from usual patterns due to the warmer than average ocean currents at the central and east-central equatorial pacific. This includes the pacific coast of South America. During an El Niño event, there will be low pressure coming from the eastern Pacific and high pressure originating from the western Pacific.

The effects of these warming ocean temperatures is complex and scientists are still trying to understand the cause. In the US, El Niño brings warmer weather in the northern states and colder stormier weather in the southern states.

Every winter brings unexpected snowfall in some communities. The problem with unexpected weather is that it can be very disruptive when it appears. If you haven’t prepared for it, it can catch you wrong-footed.

When a heavy snowstorm hits a major city or town, everyone who doesn’t have a snow blower suddenly realizes they need one. Hardware stores that only see a few customers per week throughout the year may suddenly be mobbed by desperate owners fighting over the last snow blower in town.

And when they sell out, there is little chance of a new shipment arriving in time (especially if the roads are blocked by heavy snow).

Of course, for the homeowners who planned in advance, this won’t be an issue. They just roll out their snow blower and chew through the snow.

The History Of The Snow Blower

No in-depth snow blower article would be complete without a look at where they came from.

Before the snow blower, there was the snow plow. A snow plow is a simple device mounted on the front of a vehicle. It breaks up snow and pushes it to the side, but it isn’t capable of dealing with very deep snow, and it gets stuck easily. What’s more, the snow is not thrown aside very far, so it can pile back into the cleared path.

Nonetheless, snowplows were very useful attachments for trains, and could help them to deal with unexpected sudden snow drifts. But they have their limits. This is probably why the earliest snow blower inventors had their attention fixed on railway applications.

The earliest snow blowers were really experimental prototypes which were not suitable for real world use. That didn’t stop their inventors from patenting them. The first one to be officially registered was the “Railway Screw Snow Extractor.” This machine was patented in 1870 by Robert Carr Harris.

In 1925, another inventor named Robert E. Cole registered a patent on his invention. It was a snowplow that used cutters and a fan to blow snow far away the surface; in this sense, it’s a true snow “blower,” unlike the modern machines that use that name. Unfortunately, Coles invention also failed to secure success.

The first successful and practical invention was created by Arthur Sicard, who patented it in 1925. This was the best snow blower so far, and it set the blueprint for future generations. He had come up with the idea in 1894, but bringing a new invention into the world can take years of work.

Within a couple of years of registering the patent, his machines were in use clearing the roads around Montreal – and the company is still going strong, as a division of SMI-Snowblast.

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Types of Snow Blowers

There are 4 types of modern snow blowers – they are all designed for different uses. Choosing the best snow blower is easy if you know what they are good for.

These types are:

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Single-Stage Snow Blowers —

Greenworks 80V PRO : Single-Stage : Battery Powered Snow Blower

The single stage snow blower uses an auger (a type of drill) to chew up the snow from paved surfaces. This snow is then ejected through a spout or chute on the side. Because the blade of the auger touches the ground, it’s not suitable for gravel or soft surfaces (it will chew them up too).

Interestingly, this type of snow blower doesn’t actually blow the snow. The snow shoots out of the side because of the kinetic energy from the auger, but there is no actual fan or blower. In fact, the only type of snow blower that does blow on this list is the jet powered one.

These are the weakest type of snow blower, and they cannot deal with snow that is more than 8 inches deep. They also have a hard time with sloped surfaces.

In some areas, the average level of snowfall is so high that these devices are just not up to it. In Buffalo and New York, the average snowfall is around 90 inches each year. That is deep enough to require a gas powered 2 stage snow blower. But in Seattle, they get an average of only 11 inches per year, so you can get away with a weaker electrical snow blower.

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Two-Stage Snow Blower

Where you live will determine if you need a two-stage snow blower or a single stage snow blower. If you live in Michigan, or New York or New Hampshire, and you own a home then you definitely need a heavy-duty duty two-stage snow blower. Unless, you don’t mind being snowed-in throughout winter, it would be a smart investment to get yourself a model like the TORO Power Max 826. It’s one of the best 2-stage snow blowers. I love the features and how easy it is to turn the chute using the smooth joystick.

Every aspect of this snow blower is designed to make life easy for the operator. You get handle grip warmers, automatic turning, its designed to prevent clogging in the chute, self-propelled, it has an LED headlight and you get a 3 year warranty. I don’t know what you’re looking for, but if you want a refined snow blower built to the highest standards, then you’d be foolish not to consider this TORO.

TORO Power Max 826 (37805) 26″ 2-Stage with Auto Steering

FEATURES:

You might find this interesting, but here are the top 10 cities for the highest snowfall:

1. Syracuse, New York / 123.8″
2. Flagstaff, Arizona / 101.7″
3. Erie, Pennsylvania / 100.9″
4. Rochester, New York / 99.5″
5. Buffalo, New York / 94.7″
6. Boulder, Colorado / 88.3″
7. Duluth, Minnesota / 86.1″
8. Grand Rapids, Michigan / 74.9″
9. Cleveland, Ohio / 68.1″
10. South Bend, Indiana / 66.6″

The two stage snow blower is similar to a single stage snow blower, but it adds an impeller. This is a rotating device that shoots the snow out at high speed. That means the machine can hungrily chew up and spit out snow at a very high speed that would choke a single stage snow blower.

The auger in these snow blowers doesn’t actually touch the ground, so you can use it on soft ground and gravel. It’s capable of dealing with deeper snow and slopes, too.

The 2 stage snow blower is a powerful configuration, and it’s ideal for most homeowner needs.

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Three-Stage Snow Blowers

Why would you buy a three-stage snow blower? Well, the primary reasons to buy a 3-stage snow blower is because you value speed. A 3-stage clears snow up to 50% faster than a 2-stage which means you can clear the same amount of space in half the time as a two-stage. In addition, with deeper snow, the chute is far less likely to clog because a 3-stage can keep up with whatever speed you move at.

Cub Cadet is one of the few snow blower manufacturers making 3-stage snow blowers. These are still uncommon. Many leading brands don’t make 3-stage snow blowers. I suppose the market is relatively small. I think the design can be easily integrated into smaller, more compact snow blowers, which would make them far more efficient.

Cub Cadet 28″ / 3-Stage — 31AH5DVBB09 / Tractor Supply

When using a two-stage snow blower you need to move at a slow and steady pace to allow the machine to work optimally. The mistake many people make is move too fast and the their 2-stage snow blower can’t keep up. This is how the chute gets clogged and your forced to stop and clean out the snow. You don’t have to worry about any of this with a 3-stage snow blower. The additional impeller is used as an accelerator, spinning up to 10x faster than the auger. It moves the heaviest snow, breaks up ice, pulverizes slush, and directs it all towards the chute at fast speeds.

For deep heavy wet snow, a 3-stage will quickly clear large areas in half the time and with greater efficiency than either a single-stage or dual-stage.

VIDEO — See How the Troy-Bilt 3-Stage Snow Blower Works

Despite the impressive power and snow clearing capacity of the snow blowers in this article, I personally feel that snow blowers still have a long way to go in terms of their overall design. Let’s be honest, most snow blowers look identical to how they looked in the 1950’s — an industrial piece of machinery. I can see the day when a snow blower is a streamlined autonomous machine that resembles a robot more than the clunky machines we have today.

Eventually, robotics and AI will merge and form practical machinery able to handle our laborious tasks. Yards work, such as snow clearing, will be optional, as long as we can afford the robot that can do the work.

But if you thought that sounds impressive, wait to see the next one:

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Jet Engine Snow Blower

When I say “jet engine,” I’m not just quoting a marketing line.

The jet-powered snow blower uses a real jet engine to blast the snow away with a withering blast of ultra hot supersonic air. Before the snow knows what’s hit it, it’s evaporated to blisteringly hot steam and accelerated to hundreds of miles per hour. To the naked eye, it just disappears.

This type of snow blower is ridiculously expensive and is so powerful it’s not appropriate for mere homeowners. Seriously, it’s more likely to destroy your home and melt your driveway than just clear the snow away! Also, it’s very dangerous for any person or animal unfortunate to get into the way.

These blowers were invented in Russia, where they could be built easily from decommissioned Mig Fighters. They were used to uncover train tracks and clear airports.

Unless you’re a villain from a Bond movie, you won’t need one of these.

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Electric Vs Gas Snow Throwers

Electric snow blowers are generally less powerful than gas powered blowers. So why would someone choose to use an electric 2-stage snow blower?

There are actually several advantages of using a device without an internal combustion engine. Firstly, they’re lighter. They don’t need fuel, and they start at the touch of a button (gas powered devices need a pull cord to start the engine turning). They start even when cold (and when you use these, it tends to be cold, right?)

Gas powered snow blowers need engine oil, and they produce carbon emissions and dirt (soot and partially combusted fuel). So they’re dirtier, too. Plus the gas engine makes a lot of noise.

But electric snow blowers have weaknesses, too. You’re limited by the length of the cord, and there are always risks when using an electric device in wet conditions. They are nowhere near as powerful as gas-powered blowers, so they will not be able to deal with deep snow. And they can overheat quickly.

Battery powered snow blowers do exist, and they free you from the need for an extension cord. An example is the Snow Joe iON18SB. As you can imagine, it’s more expensive than a regular electric snow blower, but you can use it virtually anywhere. They are also much quieter than other snow blowers – they are quieter than highway traffic.

Learn more about snow blowers in this video:

Battery powered blowers are typically a little weaker than electric blowers, so they are only appropriate in areas with light snowfall.

Gas powered snow blowers are much more powerful than electric blowers. They can cope with deeper snow. Because they contain their own power source (gas) you can take them to places without an electrical power supply.

And with the power of a gas engine behind it, most models are able to propel themselves through the deep snow, saving the user from fatigue and aching joints.

But you pay for these advantages, both in terms of money and with the following setbacks. They are bulkier and noisier than their electric counterparts. They must be maintained regularly to keep them in good order. And they can be hard to start when it’s cold.

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Review: Husqvarna ST224 / Best Rugged Two Stage Snow Blower

24″ clearing width / 212cc / 23″ Intake Height

This Husqvarna two stage snow blower can handle snow clearing under any and all conditions. Well, maybe not Antarctica but you know what I mean. This model has anything you could possibly need. It’s the perfect size and packed with excellent features, like heated handle grips, adjustable height, LED headlights, and much more.

Before we get into all the details and features, watch this video to see this snow blower in action.

Features:

If you like this styling and feature-set then you’ll be happy to know that Husqvarna makes a larger 27″ ST227 and a 30″ ST230. The 27″ has a 254cc engine and the 30″ has a 291cc engine.

Overview / Husqvarna ST224P

Finally, in 2023, Husqvarna has discontinued their ST224P model, with power steering and heated handles, and has now integrated both models creating one excellent model. This was confusing for consumers. On a machine this size, power steering is necessary, not optional. I’m happy that Husqvarna has simplified their lineup.

You get LED headlights standard, making it easy to see at night or if you’re clearing snow during a blizzard when visibility is reduced. Heated handle grips are a nice feature to have, and add a little luxury to this rugged snow blower. Sometimes it’s the little things that attract customers and compel them to buy.

The height is adjustable and allows you to find the right height so you don’t have to push this in an uncomfortable position.

It features a ribbon auger, which mixes air into the snow as it is chewed up. That makes it easier to handle by the impeller, which in turn makes it possible to clear more snow faster.

The engine is an upgrade from last year. Prior models used a 208cc engine, but now it has a 212cc 4-Cycle Engine with 5.9hp. This is Husqvarna’s own engine design so you know it will be reliable as most of their proprietary equipment is. It’s designed to be easier to start in cold conditions.

A friction disc transmission helps the engine to deal with rapid changes in speed as the blower moves through snow of different densities. You get six forward speeds and one reverse.

The ST224P has a remote chute rotator and a deflector. The handle for the chute has a very smooth action, which makes it easy to make adjustments on the go.

The heavy tread tires are designed to maintain their grip in slippery conditions and allow you to feel in control as you cut through the deep snow. The ST224 has been one of the best dual-stage snow blowers for many years. Homeowners love the rugged build quality and perceived quality. I’ve noticed that many of the complaints from online buyers is because they either received a defective unit that simply wouldn’t start, or a part unexpectedly broke prematurely. I hope Husqvarna has tightened their quality control pipeline for the 2023/23 winter season.

There’s no justifiable reason for Husqvarna to disappoint their customers because of their higher rate of failure. The design and engineering of the ST224 is excellent for the price you pay. The problem has to do with whatever factory they use to produce the machine.

Some of the complaints from customers of the ST224:

The one aspect of the design I’m confused about is why Husqvarna has decided on cheaper parts in high stress areas of the machines (IE. Springs and plastic tabs). It’s the little things that are causing frustration with customers. Hopefully these problems have been fixed with the 2023/23 version. I sure hope so. It’s a great machine, in general.

Metal skid shoes can gauge and scratch certain surfaces, and they don’t slide easily on concrete. The ST224 features reversible plastic skid shoes to prevent damage to these delicate surfaces.

It’s easy to control the ST224 snow blower with one hand thanks to the interlock control system. Husqvarna puts all of their most advanced technology and engineering know-how on their high end models, like this ST 424 — It’s a beautiful machine built with the best quality components.

Upgrade to Husqvarna’s Professional Series — ST424 / 24″ –

Best Husqvarna 24″ 2-Stage Snow Blower

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What more could you want in a snow blower?

The Husqvarna ST224 is a full-featured two stage snow blower that’s been engineered to get you through the toughest winters. It’s fairly inexpensive considering what you get, but I’m beginning to wonder if they’ve found a way to sell this snow blower for a cheap price but in order to achieve this they’ve cut costs by using cheaper quality parts, which diminishes the overall quality of the machine and makes the machine far less reliable.

People buy Husqvarna for reliability so I’m really hoping that The updated 2024 version will be a return to the past, with high quality components being used throughout. I still like this snow blower but I have trepidation this year as to whether or not I can recommend it. Brands like Toro, Ariens, Troy-Bilt, and EGO seem to be my favorite consumer brands at the moment for snow blowers.

Fantastic snow blower for deep snow. It has had some design flaws in the best with parts breaking prematurely, but it’s too early to tell how the newest ST224 will hold up through the punishing winter season. This is just one of many options you have. Choose wisely.

Which Snow Blower is Best for You?

If you feel you might need a smaller snow blower then read our in-depth article on single stage snow blowers.

All of the snow blowers I’m recommending to you are excellent. Any of them will handle large amounts of snow and they’re well made. I never writer about poorly made products. I spend a lot of time on research so you don’t have to.

I understand that some people prefer one brand over another but you will pay a little more for a highly reputable brand. Husqvarna products are always exceptional and high quality. I suspect that for most homeowners it will come down to price. Ultimately, you have to decide what your budget is and how much snow you expect to clear year after year.

If you live in an area where the snowfall is minimal then you probably don’t need a two stage snow blower and you can probably save some money and purchase a single stage snow blower. For example, if you never get more than six inches of snow at one time then an electric or a cordless snow blower will get you through the winter.

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Replacement Skid Shoes — Arnold 490-241-0010

These will fit most two stage snow blowers.

Features:

• Replacement universal poly slide (skid) shoes for snow throwers..
• Fits the majority of two-stage and three-stage snow blowers.
• Reversible.
• Prevents scratches and damage to your driveway or sidewalk.
• Rust-resistant.

Note: Make sure you check to make sure your two stage snow blower is compatible with these slide shoes. Amazon will tell you if these will fit your snow blower. All you have to do is enter your model number within the product listing and it will tell you.

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YakTrax Pro — Snow Clearing Safety Gear

Features:

• Spikeless, ultra lightweight design.
• 360° of traction with patented skid lock coil system.
• Durable natural rubber outerband for flexible fit.
• Abrasion resistant 1.4mm steel coils.
• Removable strap ensures secure fit.
• Heel tab allows for easy installation and removal.
• Shaped coil.

Discontinued or Not Available: For Reference Only

ow Joe ION24SB-XR iON – 80V / NOT AVAILABLE

24″ clearing width / 80-Volt Max (2 x 40 V 6.0 Ah) / 13″ clearing height

You can also purchase the same model but with two 5.0 Ah batteries instead of two 6.0Ah batteries. The model is: Snow Joe ION24SB-XR iON.

Basically, the main difference is 10 minutes of running time, so the ION24SB-XRP iON will run for about 50 minutes while the Snow Joe ION24SB-XR iON will operated for about 40 minutes. If you have a small yard then you can save yourself some money.

Features:

• Battery-powered two-stage snow blower.
• 80-Volt Max (2 x 40 V 6.0 Ah) EcoSharp rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
• Up to 50 minutes of running time. Compatible with all iON tools.
• Integrated push-button display: LED control panel indicate direction & speed selection
• Serrated steel auger moves up to 1000 lbs of snow per minute.
• Clears a path 24″ wide by 13″ deep without damaging surfaces.
• 180° adjustable chute can throw snow up to 32 ft.
• Dual LED headlights help you see at night.
• 2500W brushless motor — greater efficiency, decreases noise and vibration.
• TracAssist snow tires. Maximum traction in harsh winter conditions.
• Bold wheel well LED lighting.
• Reversible skid shoes.
• Load sensing technology adjusts to your demands on the snow blower.
• ETL approved; Full 2-year warranty; Includes  2 batteries + dual-port charger.

View or download the MANUAL for the Snow Joe ION24SB-XRP iON.

We’ve covered Snow Joe snow blowers extensively here at Chainsaw Journal. I’m excited for this new 2-stage battery snow blower because I truly believe it offers consumers a clean alternative to gas powered snow blowers. It fills a nice gap between gas snow blowers and battery snow blowers because up until now, when consumers were looking for a machine capable of clearing large amounts of snow they had to go with a gas model.

Don’t get me wrong, gas snow blowers are wonderful machines that are far more durable and powerful than either electric of battery snow throwers. But now consumers at least have a viable option for medium-duty snow clearing that is quiet, clean and powerful. This is a legitimate gas replacement snow blower.

I feel that the Snow Joe ION24SB-XRP iON will take the industry by storm (pun intended) and will quickly become a best seller with consumers. I genuinely believe that this 80V snow blower by Snow Joe is a product that will satisfy customers who want to use ec0-friendly power equipment for the sake of the environment, and also to reduce noise pollution, which is largely overlooked by manufacturers.

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Poulan PRO PR270 | Two Stage – NOT AVAILABLE

27″ clearing width / 254cc / 23″ Intake height

If you’re in need of clearing large space from snowfall this winter then you may have found your new best friend to help you. How does 27″ clearing width sound to you? Not to mention the 23″ intake height. This two stage snow blower is literally built to swallow huge chunks of snow in one gulp. It’s a well-made snow thrower that you should seriously consider. Very affordable for the power and capabilities you get along with it.

Here’s a quick overview of the included features.

Features:

• 208 cc LCT Storm Force OHV engine delivers powerful performance.
• 27-Inch clearing width and 23″ intake height.
• Advance ribbon augers.
• For moderate to heavy snowfall.
• 6 forward and 1 reverse speed.
• Halogen headlight.
• Push button electric start.
• Compact two-stage snow blower.
• Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California.
• 4 forward and 2 reverse speeds.
• Extended clog-proof polymer chute.
• Large 15″ tires handle well in deep snow.
• Remote chute deflector controls.
• Two year warranty. 4 year engine warranty.

✓View or download the MANUAL for the Poulan PRO PR270.

Overview | Poulan Pro PR270 | Two Stage Snow Blower

The Poulan Pro PR270 gas powered snow thrower features an electric start, and has a 208cc Poulan PRO engine.

It’s capable of cutting through snow up to 23 inches deep, beating the Power Smart DB7103-24 by 2 inches. It cuts a swathe of 27 inches, beating the DB7103-24 by 3.

It has 6 forward speeds, compared to the DB7103-24’s 4. But it only has one reverse speed.

It has an adjustable chute deflector, so you can redirect the ejected snow flow.

The specs of this model are similar to the one above. The Poulan Pro PR270 has a number of advantages over the DB7103-24, the most important of which is that it can handle deeper snow.

At the same time, some of the features of the DB7103-24 make it a nicer machine to use – the headlamps and the heated handles spring to mind.

When choosing between these two models, you will have to decide if you need the few extra inches of depth and width that the Poulan Pro PR270 offers.

Technical Specs:

• Gross Torque  — 9.5 lb-ft
• Cylinder displacement  —  208 cc
• Fuel tank volume (with reserve) —  0.71 gal.
• Transmission type — Friction Disc
• Transmission Forward Speeds —  6
• Transmission Reverse Speeds — 1
• Working width — 27 inch
• Intake height — 23 inch
• Auger diameter — 30.48 cm / 12 “
• Impeller Diameter — 12 inch

-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 – DISCONTINUED

28″ clearing width / 277cc / 21″ intake height

You Can’t Predict the Weather

The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 is a specialized snow blower that would be well-suited for people who live in regions where heavy snowfall is guaranteed year after year, such as:  Denver, Boston, Chicago, New York City, Syracuse, Cleveland and many more. See if you’re on the list for the top 10 snowiest cities in the USA.

The main advantage of this model is the inclusion of a track-drive (or continuous track) system instead of wheels. This provides you far better grip on snow and ice, but where you’ll really notice the added traction is when you pilot this two stage snow blower up and down hills or across inclines — and when stopping. Basically, it won’t slide around or get stuck in snow like a traditional snow blower will.

Also, because the track drive is more stable it propels the snow blower forward (or backward) with minimal effort from you.

Track Drive Systems are Superior

There’s a good reason why snowmobiles and tanks have a track-drive instead of tires. Would you ever think of putting tires on a tank? Tires on snow blowers work very well, and they have been working well for decades, — but, a track drive is better. They aren’t essential, but they are better for challenging winter conditions.

When deciding on which snow blower to purchase you need to consider a variety of factors. It really depends on where you live and the type of weather you expect year after year. The  Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 is a more expensive design but I always do my best to give our readers a range of options so you can make the proper decision. You have to match the tool or equipment, in this case a snow blower, to your actual needs.

If you expect rain, buy an umbrella. If you expect snow under 10-inches, buy a single stage snow blower. And, if you expect blizzards that will drop over 12″ of snow in one day then get a two stage snow blower.

Watch this video to learn about how Troy-Bilt designs their snow blowers:

Features:

• Touch ’n Turn power steering.
• One hand operation.
• Heated hand grips.
• In-dash headlight.
• Push button electric start.
• 277cc 4-cycle OHV engine.
• 3 SelecTrac Drive modes to shift the unit’s weight for optimum performance on hard-packed or icy snow and on gravel driveways.
• 4.7″ x 15.8″ Snow Track Drive keeps 10″ of track on the ground at all times for maximum stability and traction.
• 6 forward / 2 reverse speeds.
• 28″ clearing width and 21″ intake height.
• 12″ serrated steel auger.
• Deluxe adjustable and reversible skid shoes.
• 2-year limited warranty.

Documents:

• ✓View or download the MANUAL for the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890.
• View this useful features diagram for this snow blower.

Overview | Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890

Troy-Bilt is owned by a massive company named MTD — they’ve been in business for over 80 years. MTD owns several big brands that you probably recognize, such as: Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt and Remington. Troy-Bilt has a strong customer base and for very good reason — they consistently make excellent products, with an emphasis on quality.

The Storm Tracker 2890 is a unique two stage snow blower that uses a track instead of wheels. This is a far superior mechanism for snow traction. In fact, I’m surprised that more companies aren’t using a track on lower-end snow blowers. It’s similar to what a snowmobile uses. There’s a reason why you don’t see tires on snowmobiles.

Easy to Steer & Control

Designed with an innovative steering system that Troy-Bilt calls “Touch ’n Turn power steering system.” This system makes handling this two stage snow blower a breeze. Basically, steering is controlled by two easy triggers. Simply squeeze the trigger on the side you want to turn toward, and the snow blower’s self-propelled drive system will turn the snow thrower for you. It’s a big machine but don’t be intimidated because the built-in technology will assist you every step of the way.

Four auger modes:

1. Transport: Raises the snow thrower auger housing for easy transport.
2. Snow-covered General: Raises the snow thrower auger housing so that its shave plate leaves the gravel undistributed while clearing snow.
3. Normal Snow: Adjusts the tracks to be level for full housing contact with the ground.
4. Packed Snow: Locks the auger housing down to the ground for hard-packed or icy snow conditions.

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Troy-Bilt Storm 2625 | Two-Stage Snow Blower

26″ clearing width / 243cc / 21″ clearing height

Features:

• One-hand operation.
• In-Dash Headlight.
• Push Button Electric Start.
• Extended, clog resistant polymer manual discharge chute. Throws snow before the wind catches it.
• All-wheel drive.
• 6 forward / 2 reverse speeds.
• 26″ clearing width / 21″ intake height.
• 2-way joystick chute control – easily controls chute direction from the operator position.
• 12″ serrated steel auger.
• Deluxe reversible skid shoes.
• 15″ x 5″ X-Trac tires.
• 243cc* 4-cycle OHV engine.

View or download the MANUAL for the Troy-Bilt Storm 2625.

Overview | Troy-Bilt Storm 2625

As unpredictable as Mother Nature can be, the Storm 2625 two-stage snow thrower from Troy-Bilt is up for the challenge.  Powered by a powerful 243cc Troy-Bilt engine, the Storm 2625 cuts into drifts and hard-packed snow with its patented Xtreme augers, breaking up snow before discharging it through an extended, clog-resistant chute.

Designed so you can use it with one hand for greater flexibility. It has a wide 200 degree chute rotation and an in-dash headlight for snow clearing at night.

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Troy-Bilt Vortex 2890 | DISCONTINUED

28″ clearing width / 357cc / 21″ clearing height

As a bonus, I’ve added this unique three-stage snow blower. It’s a new model and highly rated in every department.

This model is exceptional in many ways. Consumer Reports rates this snow blower at 90 out of 100. Here are some areas it excels in — basically, it’s superb at everything!

1. Removal speed
2. Plow-pile removal
3. Throwing distance
4. Surface cleaning
5. Handling
6. Easy to use controls

The biggest criticism is that this is a very loud snow blower and it requires hearing protection.

Overview | Troy-Bilt Vortex 2890

Move more snow with less effort and in record time – thanks to the Vortex 2890 three-stage snow thrower.  The new 12″ inch accelerator that makes the three stage process possible spins at 10 times the speed of the Xtreme augers, breaking down the heaviest, wettest snow before throwing it out of the high-impact polymer chute.

The Vortex 2890 three-stage snow thrower is equipped with a reliable 357cc Troy-Bilt engine and large X-Trac tires that provide extra traction when breaking through the barriers of snow left at the bottom of your driveway.  Additional features include Touch ‘n Turn power steering, heated hand grips and one hand operation.

Goodbye Snow!

Documents for the Troy-Bilt Vortex 2890:

• View or download the MANUAL.
• View or download the WARRANTY DETAILS.

Features:

• All-wheel drive.
• 6 forward / 2 reverse speeds.
• 28″ clearing width / 21″ intake height.
• Three-Stage Design.
• One Hand Operation.
• Heated Hand Grips.
• In-Dash Headlight.
• Push Button Electric Start.
• 4-way joystick chute control – easily controls chute pitch and direction from the operator position.
• 12″ serrated steel augers.
• Deluxe adjustable and reversible skid shoes.
• Reflective strips for safer operation in low light conditions.
• 16″ x 6.5″ X-Trac snow tires.
• 357cc* Troy-Bilt 4-cycle OHV.
• 2-year limited warranty, 4-year limited auger gearbox warranty.

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Power Smart DB7103-24 | DISCONTINUED

24″ clearing width / 208cc / 21″ clearing height

You’ll be able to sleep peacefully in the middle of winter, even when the weather report warns you of a heavy snowfall heading to your city or town. This two-stage snow blower is a very affordable machine capable of throwing snow up to 30 feet and clearing snow up to 21″ deep. How’s that for raw power? More details below but here’s a quick overview of all the features.

Features:

• 6.5 HP / 208 cc engine: Ideal for heavy snow and extremely cold conditions.
• Snow clearing width of 24″ and a clearing depth of 20-inches.
• Fantastic drive system has 6-forward and 2-backward speeds.
• 12″ serrated steel augers.
• Self propelled.
• 180 degree chute rotation provides you with ample control.
• Can throw snow up to 30 feet (depending on the type of snow).
• Push button electric start or manual starter.
• Track tires provide maximum traction
• Safety override
• Handle-mounted trigger controls makes turning, reversing and steering easy
• 13″ inflatable track tires. Ideal for deep snow.
• Adjustable, metal skid shoes. Useful for any surface type.
• Rust-resistant exterior will last for years to come.
• Assembly required. Less than 30 minutes.
• Low-oil-level shut-down system.
• Two year warranty.

✓View or download the MANUAL for the Power Smart DB7103-24.

Overview | Power Smart DB7103-24 | Two Stage Snow Blower

The Power Smart DB7103-24 is a gas powered two stage snow blower with an electric start engine.

Remember how I was saying that gas powered blowers can be hard to start? This blower solves that problem by adding an electric starter engine (just like your car).

There is a regular recoil start (pull cord) for when you aren’t able to plug into a power outlet, or when the engine is already warm.

It’s primary engine is an impressive 208cc Two-stage LCT Snow Engine. The engine has a low oil level shutdown mechanism, which protects it from damage if you forget to perform regular maintenance. It’s designed for use in even the coldest climates.

This blower can chew through snow up to 21 inches deep. It cuts a swathe 24 inches wide. The 12 inch serrated auger doesn’t give the snow a chance, mercilessly dragging it into the impeller.

It’s self-propelling, with 4 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. It also has high traction tracked tires, so it’s easy to control when the ground is slippery. The handle-mounted trigger controls make it very easy to reverse and turn.

The chute can be rotated through 180 degrees, so you can control where the snow is blown.

You can change the height with the adjustable metal skid shoes, to deal with different surfaces and conditions.

It has built-in LED headlamps, which is a great idea when you need to use in in the early hours of the morning or the middle of the night. And it has heated handles, which will be a very welcome feature if you’re using this in the middle of a blizzard.

Solid Steel Construction

Best Features:  

1. Plow-pile removal is above average
2. Excellent surface cleaning
3. Easy to use controls
4. Electric start
5. Built-in headlights
6. Heated hand grips
7. Multiple speeds

Could improve upon:

• Removal speed — is average
• Throwing distance — is average
• Challenging to maneuver

Finding a quality two-stage snow blower that’s both reliable and affordable can be difficult. There’s no shortage of inexpensive electric snow blowers and we’ve recently covered two excellent battery snow blowers (Snow Joe iON18SB and GreenWorks 80V snow blower), but none of them compare to the sheer power and clearing ability of the Power Smart DB7103-24 or any other 2-stage blower in this article.

If you live in regions where the snow is expected to fall heavily then I can easily recommend this model. It’s built with high-quality steel components and it’s dependable. For the money, this is one of the best two stage snow blowers you can buy.

Briggs and Stratton 1696610 | Two Stage Snow Blower

24″ clearing width / 208cc / 20″ Intake Height

Features:

• 24″ wide clearing path with a 20″ intake height.
• 950 snow series 208cc engine for 9.5-foot-pounds of torque.
• Friction disk drive system.
• 190° chute control.
• 12″ augers.
• Throw Distance: Up to 35 feet.
• 13″ tires.
• Electric start.
• Free hand control
• Left side crank rotation and manual deflector controls.
• 3-year limited warranty

Overview / Briggs and Stratton 1696610

Self-propelled two stage snow blower with six forward and two reverse speeds.

Tough steel frame and chute designed with notched steel auger. Capable of handling snow and ice with ease. A durable aluminum gear box should last you for years to come.

The steel reversible skid shoes make plowing through the snow easy. Easy to maneuver through deep snow.

The 1696610 is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 950 Snow Series Engine is designed to start down to-20◦ F.

Briggs & Stratton is a name synonymous with quality. In fact, you’ll find many big name brands incorporating Briggs & Stratton engines into their own gas powered products. Why? Because it’s difficult to engineer a reliable motor, so instead of investing years of research and development into creating their own motor, and spending millions of dollars, they realize that it makes more sense to license it from an established brand.